Category Archives: day-trip

Trip Report – Shellaligan Loop – 24 Feb 2025

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On a partially sunny day four hikers and two dogs set out to do the shorter loop counter clockwise. The rocks were wet, but trail was in good shape. The ocean views with the snowy mountain peaks in the distance are very picturesque on this shoreline walk. We paused on the Village Bay rocky point for the views up Hoskyn channel. We did not stay long as there was a cool breeze coming off the water. The group then continued down the shoreline and up the hill to the fork in the trail. From here we traveled down the gully and over the bridge. The creek was running fast and high. We continued on to the oyster farm where we enjoyed a lunch while watching the birds. After we returned back up the hill and to our vehicles.  (4.5 km and 2½ hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Valerie for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 24 Feb 2025

Trip Report – Plumper and Deepwater Bays – 12 Feb 2025

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Eight of us met on a crisp dry morning with the remains of six or so inches of snow on some of the access roads to Plumper. We parked at the familiar Maud island parking lot and headed out at 0°C. The trail was patchy but easy to follow as a quad had left tracks for us to follow. The temperature remained close to zero making the trails compact and easy to walk on.
From Plumper Bay it was decided to do a quick trip to Deepwater Bay and enjoy the view. Lots of beach debris had been collected and we were happy to collect a bit more. We returned for lunch on the sunny side at Plumper Bay and were not disappointed as the sea was nearly calm and the sun was shining. We also met Mel as he was enjoying a grilled hot dog before he went back to clearing trails. We followed the shore for a bit and were pleasantly surprised by 40 to 50 merganser ducks taking off. Then we returned to the trail and back to our cars which completed our less than 10 km walk.

Neil

Thanks to Neil and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Plumper and Deepwater Bays – 12 Feb 2025

Snow – Mt. Washington – 12 March 2025

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Previously scheduled on March 3rd.

Activity Snowshoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 12 March, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Saturday evening
Description We will head uphill from the Nordic centre taking the trails for Big View and Finger Glades.  Some sections are quite steep. About 5.5 km, 250 m elevation gain, 3.5-4 hours.  Snowshoes can be rented if needed and there is a $16 day pass that is required.
Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove Ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:30 ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Ferry, fuel and $16 Day Pass
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: There is a lot of recent snow on the mountain now.. Bring lunch and gear appropriate for the weather.

Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 24 Feb 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Loop
Date 24 Feb, Monday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com  or 285-2029
Description We will drive out to Valdez Road and to the second parking spot. We will do the route counterclockwise. The first part is scrambling over some rocky bluffs so wear good shoes. We will possibly go down to the old oyster farm as well. Much of this trail is along the ocean shoreline so hopefully there will not be any snow. If there is a need to change the destination, I will contact anyone that has signed up.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10 am
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? OK but must not run back-and-forth through the group
Notes: Bring a lunch or snack as we will stop on the open area at the entrance to Village Bay if there is no wind. You may want to use poles on the steeper section.

Trip Report – Rebecca Spit Hot Chocolate Walk – 29 Jan 2025

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As promised, it was a brisk walk around Rebecca Spit for four hardy souls as we celebrated the Chinese New Year, Quadra Island style, at our January 29 Hot Chocolate Social. Though we didn’t see any snakes (appropriately it is the year of the Wood Snake), we did see, or hear, several species of sea birds and tree birds. (Ask Vic for the list). A delicious, eclectic, celebratory feast was enjoyed by all while being warmed by a very welcome campfire. Maybe an annual tradition, mark Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to celebrate the year of the Fire Horse.   (about 4 km; 1 hour walking)

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie and Norris for the photos

 
Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Rebecca Spit Hot Chocolate Walk – 29 Jan 2025

Hiking – Plumper and Deepwater Bays – 12 February 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Plumper and Deepwater Bays
Date 12 February, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Neil Unwin
Contact Info neilunwin08@gmail.com or 604-202-4762.  Please contact the coordinator in advance.
Description A relatively flat and easy hike on old logging roads. The first part is the same as for going to Maud Island, then instead of turning left, we turn right. The trail is quite gradual down to the water. There has been some recent trail work.  Plumper Bay has a grassy meadow on the waterfront and Deepwater has a gravel shore with a view north up Discovery Passage.  About 8 km roundtrip or more if you walk along the shore.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot; we will convoy in our cars from there.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Easy, but not a Trail Committee maintained trail
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch. and gear for the weather

Trip Report – Nymph Falls to Comox Lake – 27 Jan 2025

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This was a very popular hike because we had never done it before and the weather was beautiful and crisp.  Thirteen of us took the ferry and then drove to the Comox Valley, parking at the Nymph Falls Nature Park.  We briefly walked down stream along the Puntledge River to view the falls, with its rock ledges and wide span.  We then followed the well constructed and maintained trail upstream to the weir, past the islands, through the mature forest and meandering trail, arriving at the dam.

Conveniently, there were picnic tables mostly in the sun for our lunch.  We wandered out to the bridge on the Comox Main logging road for a narrow view of Comox Lake and watched a guy jump into the frigid January water.  We then turned back and mostly returned by the same route, with a few short-cuts.  The group enjoyed the great weather, easy walking, the new scenery and the sociability. 14.2 km; 4½ hours.

Debbie 

Thanks to Jim and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Nymph Falls to Comox Lake – 27 Jan 2025

Kayaking – Open Bay – Breton Islands – 2 April 2025

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This trip was previously scheduled for 12 March

Activity Kayaking
Destination Open Bay – Breton Islands
Date: 2 April, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459
Description A spring paddle from Len Rd on a day with a big falling tide, Open Bay and among the Islets with a sunny, lunch stop on Breton Island.
Meeting Place 0930 at Len Road Shore Access
Departure Time 1000 on the water
Difficulty
 Moderate, considering the early season.
Costs Nil
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: This trip will be weather dependent- a calm, sunny day is desirable. I will decide on Sunday Mar 30 after checking the forecast.
Sea kayaks only, equipped with spray skirt and safety gear. Please contact the coordinator if you have any questions about paddling or the suitability of your gear, or if you have not done a QIO club paddle yet.
Bring a hearty snack and a hot drink!

Snow – Mt. Washington – 6 Feb 2025

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This trip was cancelled

Activity Snowshoeing
Destination Mt. Washington
Date 6 Feb, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Louise Squire
Contact Info lsquire@sasktel.net or 306-539-3813
Description Mt Washington snowshoe excursion leaving from Raven Lodge through the meadows, passing by Battleship Lake and Helen MacKenzie Lake to return. Approx distance of 7.5 kmAs Thursday is Cortes guaranteed sailing, we will be taking the 8:30 ferry to Campbell River. Snowshoes can be rented if needed and there is a $16 day pass that is required.
Meeting Place Quathiaski Cove Ferry terminal
Departure Time 8:30 ferry.
Difficulty
 Moderate.
Costs Ferry, fuel and $16 Day Pass
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: We will not go if rain is forecast at 1,000m. Bring lunch and gear appropriate for the weather.

Trip Report – Heriot Ridge Loop – 22 Jan 2025

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Twelve people and one dog hiked the Heriot Ridge Route on an overcast day.  We admired the views from the Heriot Ridge viewpoint and followed the undulating path through sparse forest and open, mossy bluffs.  The trail was very slippery in some places.  Most of the group had lunch on the last viewpoint, facing north with good views of Hyacinthe Bay. There were a few issues, which were a good heads-up to avoid complacency and to return to stricter protocols.  (Usually 5.8 km and 2 hours)

Norris

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Hiking – Heriot Ridge Loop – 22 Jan 2025